Spring has arrived! Consider cleaning out those old bookshelves & closets.

Consider donating new or gently used books at sites around Worcester county for the Annual “Worcester: the city that reads” book drive. The Gordon Library is one of many collection sites for children’s books (pre-K thru 8th grade) which will be distributed for summer reading. The drive runs until May 15, 2012 and there is a box in the front foyer.

“Worcester: the City that Reads” committee members aspire to promote literacy and especially, to put books into the hands of many pre-kindergarten through 8th grade children who may have few books in their homes. According to the National Summer Learning Association based on Johns Hopkins University:

“.. research shows that, without practice, students lose reading skills over the summer months and children from low-income families lose the most. With the prevalence of television, computers and other electronic distractions, how can parents, educators and librarians encourage kids to immerse their minds and imaginations in books over the summer months?”

Our response: get books into the hands of kids. We wonder if you can help. Simply bring new or gently used books and leave them in the receptacle bin.

Questions? WPI Contact: Christine Drew or contact School Committee member John Monfredo at 508 853-3444 who is coordinating the overall book drive.

P.S. If you wish to donate new or gently used teen or adult books, music or films please drop them off as well, the library staff will sort these out and will be hosting a book sale in April.